See the 2025 event

Race Updates

50K Race Start Time - 7:30am
25K Race Start Time - 8:30am

Race Start Location
Shelby Forest Nature Center
361 Grassy Lake Rd, Millington, TN 38053 or
GPS Coordinates for Nature Center

50k Drop Bags
We will have a spot at Start/Finish, by the aid station for drop bags for 50k runners. This is the only drop bag location on the course.

Awards and Prizes

Finisher's Medals
All finishers will receive a custom designed finisher's medal.

Awards
The top three male and female 50K and 25K finishers will receive custom designed awards.

Red Loop Challenge Prize Money (50K)
$20 bills to the first male and female first time through the Red Loop Aid Station (Mile 4.7). $50 bills to the first male and female second time through the Red Loop Aid Station (Mile 21).

Red Loop Challenge Prize Money (25K)
$50 bills to the first male and female through the Red Loop Aid Station (Mile 4.7).

Last Turkey on Trail Award
The last 50K runner to finish under the cutoff time will receive a special Last Turkey on Trail award.

Race Description

The Swamp Stomper 50k/25k has taken place annually in Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park since 2006. This year marks the 20th running of Swamp Stomper. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park or simply "The Forest" as it's referred to by many local trail runners, is a common destination for area trail runners looking for a solid workout and a quiet place to escape to. The park trails (and race course) offer a little bit of everything from fast flowing sections to tough climbs and technical descents. The race course is 99% single-track trail and makes use of the Pioneer Springs Trail (blue blazes), Woodland Trail (red loop), and Chickasaw Bluff Trail (white blazes). The 25K is an out-and-back course with approximately 1500ft of elevation gain and the 50K is a double out-and-back of the same course as the 25K with approximately 3000ft of elevation gain. The 50K starts at 7:30 am CST and the 25K starts at 8:30 am CST. The cutoff times for the event are 9 hours for the 50K and 8 hours for the 25K. In the interest of safety for our runners and volunteers, all cutoff times will be strictly enforced.

Packet Pickup

Race Day Packet Pickup
Packet pickup is available on race morning at Start/Finish from 6:45 am to 7:15 am for 50k and 25k runners, and from 7:40 am to 8:15 am for 25k runners.

50K Course Info

Map

Participants will complete two laps of the out-and-back course. The actual race distance is 32.6 miles.
Aid stations are located at approximately mile 3, 4.7, 9.6, 13.3, 16.3, 19.3 , 21, 25.9, and 29.6.

Course Record Holders
M- Nick Lewis, 4:10:06 (2012- Poplar Tree Lake start)
F- Ellen (Erhardt) Byron, 4:50:32 (2009- Mississippi River Group Camp start)

25K Course Info

Course GPX

Map

Participants will complete one lap of the out-and-back course. The actual race distance is 16.3 miles.
Aid stations are located at approximately mile 3, 4.7, 9.6, and 13.3.

Course Record Holders
M- Nick Lewis, 1:52:15 (2015- Poplar Tree Lake start)
F- Sunny Gilbert, 2:09:14 (2013- Poplar Tree Lake start)

Sponsors

General Info

Hilde Haynes (1943-2013) Memorial Award
In memory of Hilde's endless spirit and sportsmanship, her love for trails and running and people

Past Recipients
2023- Magdalena Casper-Shipp
2022- Sean and April Hilsdon (April Hilsdon 2022 AT 100 26:46:33)
2021- James Holland (2021 AT100 24:46:20)
2019- Brian Williams
2018- Katie Helms (2018 AT100 27:45:36)
2017- Deb Baker (2017 AT100 28:54:21)
2016- Beth Garrison (2016 AT100 27:40:02)
2015- Andrea Stack (2015 AT100 29:21:41)
2014- Sarah Harris (2014 AT(Arkansas Traveller)100 28:44:36)

Race Proceeds
This is a not for profit event. 100% of the proceeds go to back to the trails. This race exists to enrich the Memphis and Greater Midsouth trail running community, and to support the efforts of Friends of the Forest and Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park.

Cabins
Meeman-Shelby Forest has six two-bedroom standard cabins situated along the shoreline of Poplar Tree Lake in a heavily wooded section of the park. These newly renovated cabins can sleep up to six people. They have two bedrooms that each have one bed along with one full size pull out couch. In cabins 1 - 5, the beds are queen size. In cabin 6, the beds are full size. Reservations may be in advance through the visitor center or online. For more information click here.

Camping
The park campground has 49 campsites, each equipped with table, grill, electrical and water hookups. A modern bathhouse provides hot showers. There is a dump station for self-contained trailer rigs Reservations may be in advance through the visitor center or online. For more information click here

Volunteers

This race is not possible without the efforts of our volunteers. Each year many volunteers generously donate their time and energy, sometimes braving the worst of conditions in order to make this race a success. Many thanks to everyone that has offered their service to the race throughout the years.

Delta Amateur Radio Club
Each year the Delta Amateur Radio club generously contributes their time and resources to help keep our runners safe and accounted for on the trails. They also go above and beyond to provide support to all of our aid station volunteers. Our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation goes out to them for their contributions to the race year after year.

Volunteering
If you wish to volunteer for the 2024 Swamp Stomper 50k/25k, please click here to send us an email. Volunteers will receive a discounted entry to the Swamp Stomper 50k/25k and have the opportunity to register early.

Event's current local time: 11:41 AM CT